SMACC Conference Lands in Chicago

Here is why you should be at SMACC Chicago, June 23–26, 2015

In 2015 we can access the Internet almost anywhere and use our smart phones and tablets to connect with each other. The way we communicate and share information is changing. Social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter enhance the dissemination of learning material, but more important, they provide the opportunity for a two-way conversation between the teacher and student. So how can this new era of communication facilitate learning, particularly at critical care and emergency medicine conferences?

SMACC (Social media and Critical Care) was so named because it is powered by a collaboration of #FOAMed (Free Open Access Meducation) websites from around the world. It is a high power critical care conference that is inspirational, informative and innovative. The collective experience gained growing these websites has guided the program formation. The energy at SMACC not only augments the learning atmosphere, but also recharges the commitment to critical care. In the words of one delegate from #smaccGOLD 2014: “This was the first conference where I not only learnt plenty, but I came away proud to be a professional in critical care. I feel excited about taking all this back to work!”

Here are 10 reasons you should be at SMACC Chicago, June 23–26, 2015.

1: Speakers: Speakers are selected from both the FOAM world and the conventional conference circuit because they are inspirational leaders in their fields. See http://www.smacc.net.au/speakers/

2: Topics: Sessions are delicately pieced together to cover issues from hard core medical science and research to education and end-of-life care, but more important, they embrace controversy. See http://www.smacc.net.au/program/

3: Format: The style has an informal feel that encourages a two-way conversation, which is further enhanced by the integration of social media into the sessions.

4: Community: SMACC brings together all components of the critical care community including prehospital, emergency, critical care and anaesthesia.

5: Excitement: The energy at SMACC powers a vibrant atmosphere

6: Networking: All breaks and lunches are catered free to provide a relaxed atmosphere for delegates to come together

7: Social: All social functions are included in the registration to bring all delegates together as part of one critical care community

8: Workshops: Over 30 preconference workshops cater for every need from communication and debriefing to airway and ultrasound. See http://www.smacc.net.au/program/workshops/

9: Post-conference: All sessions at SMACC are recorded and released FREE in a serial fashion after the conference. See http://www.smacc.net.au/the-talks/

10: Not for Profit. SMACC is administered by a charitable trust and no individual benefits financially

This year's theme is smaccFEST, because it is more than a conference, it is a festival. SMACC is a celebration of medical science, knowledge, education, ideas, community and innovation united by a love of practicing critical care. Over 1,300 delegates are registered and many preconference workshops have sold out, so don’t delay. Register at http://www.smacc.net.au/register-now/